Someone has rifled through a cluster of vehicles in Toano, the second such occurrence in the past week.
Maj. Stephen Rubino of the James City County Police Department said all of the vehicles were unlocked. The thief or thieves hit five vehicles on the 9000 block of Richmond Road, less than half a mile east of where several unlocked vehicles were searched on Barnes Road last week. He said some small items and change were taken from the vehicles, though nothing significant is missing.
When something is stolen from a vehicle, it is often because the vehicle is left unlocked or because valuables are left in plain sight in a locked vehicle. A thief walking down the road looking for easy targets can get in and out of an unlocked vehicle in a very short amount of time.
“The two easiest ways to avoid being the victim of larceny from your vehicle is to one, lock your vehicle and two, don’t leave anything of value inside your vehicle,” Rubino said after the Barnes Road thefts.
James City County issued a news release Wednesday seeking to inform residents of how to keep their personal property secure.
“Theft is often a crime of opportunity; the thief looks for unlocked doors and unsecured property that he or she can take quickly and quietly. Frequently stolen items include GPS receivers, laptops, purses, iPods and stereos,” according to the release.
The following tips are offered:
- Always lock your vehicle
- Keep valuables out of plain view inside your vehicle
- Park your vehicle in a garage or a well-lit parking area
- Never leave the keys in an unattended vehicle
- Lock your doors even if you are going inside for a moment
- Install and use an alarm system
- Start or join a neighborhood watch program and get to know your neighbors
Anyone with information on any crime in the Historic Triangle should call Crime Line at 888-LOCK-U-UP (888-562-5887). Police encourage anyone who sees a crime in progress to call 911. Otherwise, suspicious activity should be reported to the James City County Police Department by calling 253-1800.
For more information about crime prevention and the Neighborhood Watch Program, call 603-6022.
The James City County Police Department created a video last year with helpful tips for how citizens can keep their vehicles secure. Check it out: